03CumminZ4X4

I sold my 04 and after a couple months started looking for a 2wd 98 dually to pull my race trailer. I finally found one with 93K miles that wasnt a rag in south florida and flew down and drove it home a couple days ago. The truck is an SLT Laramie auto with the 12V. I have a one owner title and did some research and found that the man that owned it is 79 yrs old. He used it to pull a 5th wheel camper and nothing else. Anyway the truck is a 10 as far as wear and tear for the years I think. I did however not know until about 2 hrs ago that some of the early 98's had the dreaded 53 block. I found the thread here that shows where to look for the 53 in the casting and went out with a good flashlight to see if I had one. I am relieved to say that I have looked everywhere on the block and can't find "53" anywhere . I just knew with my luck and being happy with my purchase that I would see 53 on the side of the block. Maybe I got lucky for once. I gave 13900$ for it. It was garage kept and is immaculate. Was this a fair deal? Oh yea...I guess I need to change my sig...LOL

BigErksG2

i'd say its a good deal... garage kept and a 79yr old man drivin it. easy to get alotta power out of a 12v. i wouldnt trade mine for anything.

CR785

Sounds good to me.

ratsun

I think you got ripped off!!
PM me your address and I will take it off your hands for the $13,900 you payed and protect you from all evil

wcbcruzer

Good buy! Welcome to the 2nd gen forums!

03CumminZ4X4

Thanks all! I was worried about the 53 block issue but I looked again and cant find it anywhere on the block on either side so I guess I am safe. I am gonna stop looking for it now before I find it...LOL.

gunracer1

12v's don't have 53 problems. i have never seen a 12v 53 crack.

dieselfuelonly

Even if it was a 53 block, like someone said the 12vs didn't seem to have problems cracking like 24vs did. Enjoy your truck!

03CumminZ4X4

Thats good to know. I wonder why? Whats the difference? Power levels?

scottsjeeprolet

Great find!
Now ya gotta Kill the KDP.

03CumminZ4X4

Thanks! The TST KDP kit is going to be here today, that was the first thing I ordered. Dont want to damage a perfectly good engine. Thanks for the advice anyway!

wcbcruzer

Naw, not power levels. I remember seeing one member pushing over 500 hp with a 53 block 12v. For whatever reason, they don't crack on a 12v; so put your mind at peace.

03CumminZ4X4

No worries here as my truck does not have a 53 block anyway. It is still interesting how the 12v's don't crack and the 24v's do sometimes.

b.lee

good buy, now update that sig.

96_12V

Nice truck - sounds as if it's hardley been broken in. Quite a bit better than the payments on a new rig in my estimation. Enjoy your new truck!

Have you taken any pictures yet? Post them if you have a chance...